OK. I just got my general class license, but am obviously still in the dark re: CW. I've promised myself that I will not shell out the $$$ for an HF txr until after I learn Morse. If I buy a key/paddle and keyer, can the keyer be used as a practice oscillator, as well as being the input device to a txr that does not have in internal keyer? I'd appreciate suggestions on how to get started down this path.

Not all keyers are created the same, but the simple check you can make is to see if the unit has a built-in speaker. If it does, then it can easily be used as a stand alone practice unit. Just plug-in the paddle (and the power), and away you go!

And because you can use most if not all built-in keyers as code practice oscillators, you could be buy that transceiver only to use its keyer for code practice for the time being. No use having two keyers around when one will do. :-)

On the other hand, not having it in the right mode for practice does present another opportunity for embarrassing oneself.

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